Daring To Award Recipient

Being a young professional in a new town in rural western Pennsylvania has its challenges. Being one of only three women physicians (and the only osteopathic female physician) practicing inpatient medicine with the hospitalist group has another set of challenges. With a work schedule of seven days on, seven days off, teaching responsibilities with the family medicine residency, serving on the POMA Board of Trustees as representative for the young physicians in practice, caring for fur babies and renovating a home, one would think there is little to no time to meet people and contribute to the community. Enter the DuBois Jaycees.

The DuBois Jaycees is one of sixteen Pennsylvania chapters of an international organization made up of young professionals whose mission is “To empower young active citizens to create positive change through community service initiatives”. The DuBois Jaycees has supported blood drives, academic scholarships, community improvement projects, children’s programs, to name a few.

Kathryn Graham, D.O. joined the DuBois Jaycees when she moved to DuBois after completing her Internal Medicine residency and began working as a hospitalist at Penn Highlands Healthcare in 2018. She joined the Jaycees to “meet people and continue community involvement” which has been part of her life even before medical school. “Katie” sees the Jaycee’s biggest impact is “giving back to people in need”, particularly with scholarship awards and support of people with food insecurity and increased financial need around the holidays.

Dr. Graham has been particularly active in raising money for scholarships given to two local high school seniors based on financial need and merit as well as commitment to return to the DuBois community. She serves on a committee to review the applications and interview the candidates. An avid golfer, she participates in the fund-raising golf scrambles sponsored by both the Jaycees and the DuBois Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this year, DuBois Jaycees president, Sheri Price was presented one of three Jaycee’s “Dare To” awarded in Pennsylvania, given in recognition of chapters who continued to move forward despite adversity, in particular, in light of limitations of the pandemic. The “Dare To” award locally was awarded to Dr. Kathryn Graham for her willingness and diligence in serving the community despite personal health risk during the pandemic.

Congratulations, Katie Graham, D.O. and thank you for DOing more!